Review the Research
Get summaries of key research on vitamin D and COVID-19
Pregnancy and COVID-19: The Possible Contribution of Vitamin D
Take Home Message
This study demonstrates a role of vitamin D in affecting the clinical characteristics of pregnant women during COVID-19.
Results
- 160 women were enrolled: 23 resulted positive for at least one SARS-CoV-2 related test (molecular swab or antibody tests).
- Vitamin D-associated polymorphisms were able to affect vitamin D levels in SARS-CoV-2 negative and positive subjects: all the VDR TaqICC genotype patients were negative for SARS-CoV-2.
- In a sub-population (118 patients), vitamin D levels correlated with pregnancy-related factors, such as alpha-fetoprotein levels.
- Third-trimester vitamin D levels were lower in preterm births compared to full-term pregnancy: this trend was highlighted for SARS-CoV-2 positive patients.

Who
160 pregnant women.
Things to Keep in Mind
- There were small numbers of SARS-CoV-2-affected patients and PTBs.
- Additional factors associated with inflammation, coagulation or symptoms were not evaluated.
Author’s Conclusions
“
In conclusion, this is the first study showing a possible role of vitamin D concentrations and genetic polymorphisms in affecting COVID-19 clinical features in pregnant women; however, studies in larger and independent cohorts are needed to confirm these data.
“
Study Design
- The purpose was to evaluate the influence of vitamin D in affecting some clinical features in pregnancy between SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative patients.
- Vitamin D pathway related polymorphisms and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were quantified in pregnant women followed from the first to the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Vitamin D deficiency was considered with values ≤ 30 ng/mL.
Reference
Manca A, Cosma S, Palermiti A, Costanzo M, Antonucci M, De Vivo ED, Ianniello A, Borella F, Carosso AR, Corcione S, De Rosa FG, Benedetto C, D’Avolio A, Cusato J. Pregnancy and COVID-19: The Possible Contribution of Vitamin D. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 10;14(16):3275. doi: 10.3390/nu14163275. PMID: 36014781; PMCID: PMC9414046.